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MC5 is the bigger brother of the MC3 controller.

It is a powerful astronomical telescope controller with improved performance and extended functions. It is a perfect choice for demanding amateur astronomers for advanced imaging or operating a telescope completely remote.

Main features

MC5 knows everything as the MC3, and has the following extra features:

• Improved resolution: MC3 does 32x microstepping, MC5 does 256x microstepping.
• Absolute encoders: MC5 can handle absolute encoders on both axis. The supported encoders are:
  • Heidenhain 25 bit / revolution models
  • Renishaw 32 bit / revolution models
• Thanks to the encoders, the system is completely failsafe: It can know the exact position of the telescope even after a software problem or accidential restart. It prevents the accidential pier-hit.
• MC5 can do closed loop tracking control. It gives you exceptional accuracy:
  • Tracking error within +/- 0.5 arcsecond with Heidenhain 25 bit encoder
  • Tracking error within +/- 0.2 arcsecond with Renishaw 32 bit encoder
• MC5 compatible with Ursa Minor Hand Controller: It has a 128 x 64 pixel graphic display with user friendly menu and an astronomical database with aprox. 50000 objects.
• Firmware can be upgraded by the end user.
• Astronomical database of the hand controller also can be upgraded.
• Compatibility with most of the planetarium programs: MC5 has a dedicated ASCOM driver with parking and Meridian flip support.
• Ursa Minor Pro planetarium program developed directly to fully support MC3 and MC5 controllers.

The following screenshot shows the tracking accuracy graph. The measurement was taken with a real mount with real load, controlled with real MC5. 

Main features

MC5 knows everything as the MC3, and has the following extra features:

• Improved resolution: MC3 does 32x microstepping, MC5 does 256x microstepping.
• Absolute encoders: MC5 can handle absolute encoders on both axis. The supported encoders are:
  • Heidenhain 25 bit / revolution models
  • Renishaw 32 bit / revolution models
• Thanks to the encoders, the system is completely failsafe: It can know the exact position of the telescope even after a software problem or accidential restart. It prevents the accidential pier-hit.
• MC5 can do closed loop tracking control. It gives you exceptional accuracy:
  • Tracking error within +/- 0.5 arcsecond with Heidenhain 25 bit encoder
  • Tracking error within +/- 0.2 arcsecond with Renishaw 32 bit encoder
• MC5 compatible with Ursa Minor Hand Controller: It has a 128 x 64 pixel graphic display with user friendly menu and an astronomical database with aprox. 50000 objects.
• Firmware can be upgraded by the end user.
• Astronomical database of the hand controller also can be upgraded.
• Compatibility with most of the planetarium programs: MC5 has a dedicated ASCOM driver with parking and Meridian flip support.
• Ursa Minor Pro planetarium program developed directly to fully support MC3 and MC5 controllers.